Locus Iste, conducting

Michelle DeFrancesco is not only a talented singer but also a dedicated and prolific vocal music conductor. Her extensive education in conducting, which includes studies at prestigious institutions such as Indiana University and The University of Notre Dame, as well as private lessons with celebrated conductors Dr. Nancy Menk and Harold Rosenberg, has equipped her with the skills needed to guide and inspire other singers. Among her conducting repertoire, she leads performances of significant choral works, including “Locus iste,” a Latin gradual composed for church dedications, and “Sicut Cervus,” a motet by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina that beautifully encapsulates spiritual longing. She also showcases her own composition, “Lord, we thirst for you,” highlighting her versatility as both a conductor and a composer. Through her passion for music and her commitment to nurturing the talents of others, Michelle finds immense joy in her role as a conductor, bringing a rich understanding of both historical and contemporary choral works to her performances.